Pregnancy movement of baby 26 weeks

26 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, Baby Development

Reviewed by

Kate Shkodzik, MD

Obstetrician and gynecologist

As you move into the third trimester of your pregnancy, you might feel different day by day and week by week. There is no rule to whether or not you'll be feeling well rested and energized, or you will wake up feeling drained, bloated, and fatigued. The only thing you can do to make yourself feel better is to follow the pace of your own body and allow yourself enough rest.

Your baby at week 26 of pregnancy

Something beautiful will happen to your baby this week. Up until now is eyelids were sealed shut. At one point during this week, your baby will open his eyes for the first time. Your baby is not yet able to see anything inside of the uterus. He will blink and close and open his eyes as he falls asleep and wakes up.

Usually, the babies are colored blue, which will change naturally as the baby grows after birth.

Your baby still looks very lean, but he will gain fatty supplies and increase weight gradually throughout the remaining weeks of the pregnancy.

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How big is your baby at 26 weeks pregnant?

Your baby is now the size of a beetroot, measuring around 14 inсhes (35.6 cm) in length and weighing around 2 pounds (907 g). The uterus is becoming tight for him, and you'll feel more and more uncomfortable when he kicks and stretches.

26 weeks pregnant baby position

Because of the growth, the baby is starting to run out of room to do the acrobatics you’re accustomed to. However, there’s still room for maneuvering. At 26 weeks, your baby usually begins to find a position for birth, usually turning so that the head faces down. It’s also not strange at this stage for the baby to lie horizontally across your belly in a transverse lie.

Pregnancy week 26 fetal development

Baby's blood vessels are fully functioning. Her heart is pumping blood. The circulatory system is now fully functional. Your baby has grown all of the blood vessels and they are now performing their role.

Babies lungs are also developing blood vessels at this stage. As the lungs aren't yet fully functional, premature babies experience trouble breathing but are still theoretically viable. This means that in the case that you go into premature labor, the baby already has a chance of survival.

However, this is a circumstance you should try to avoid so that your baby gets more time to grow her lungs and brain properly inside the uterus.

The umbilical cord is now stronger and thicker, supplying the growing baby with all of the necessary nutrients. The more you approach the end of the pregnancy, your appetite becomes stronger because of this. However, you should keep your food choices healthy, avoiding sweets and snacks.

If there are any issues detected with your placenta, you can also contribute to its health with healthy foods and hydration. Lean meats and eliminating excess fat and processed foods from your diet will keep fragile blood vessels that are feeding your baby through the placenta and the umbilical cord healthy.

Keep in mind that your dietary choices also affect the health of blood vessels that feed your baby. They are not as resilient as the blood vessels in your body. To keep your placenta and the umbilical cord in good shape, eat a lot of greens like spinach, broccoli, and cucumber, and also enjoy plenty of lean meats which are a good source of iron.

At this stage of the pregnancy, you should have gained between 20 and 23 pounds (9-10.5 kg). The extra pounds may not feel comfortable and your body may have changed so much that you are no longer happy with how you look. Most patients should gain between 20 and 30 lb (9-13.6 kg) during pregnancy.

An average woman requires 2,000 to 2,500 kcal/day during pregnancy. The caloric requirement is increased by 500 kcal/day when breastfeeding. So you are not gaining extra weight for no reason.

Try not to get upset over this. Towards the end of the pregnancy, your body changes rapidly. You may have noticed that your shape was nothing like before, and you might start to feel down and lose confidence. Try not to worry about this too much.

After labor, you will gradually shed excess pounds because, the baby will be out, and you will also be more active with breastfeeding. You will lose a lot of water weight. A great portion of what makes you look bloated and stuffy in the face is the build-up of water inside your body. This happens normally during the pregnancy.

Keep in mind to be kind and respectful to your body, and don't be too judgemental towards your own reflection in the mirror.

26 weeks pregnant belly

Typically, your belly button will have popped out already, and the skin might feel tight and itchy. Pay attention to moisturizing and hydration to give your skin more elasticity.

26 weeks pregnant symptoms

At week 26 of your pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions will be more frequent and stronger than during the previous weeks.

As the baby puts more and more pressure on your bladder, you will feel more urge to go to the bathroom.

It's common to feel pains under your ribs and in your lower back as the baby is rapidly growing and stretching to feel more comfortable inside the womb. To ease these pains, try changing positions and making yourself comfortable on the couch while using pillows to support your back.

You could experience pregnancy insomnia, or otherwise, have trouble sleeping due to back pain and general discomfort.

Usually, you will see your baby bring his hands towards the face during an ultrasound, and you might also see the baby stick her tongue out. As the fetal movement coordination improves, so will the baby's movements. Your doctor will be able to tell you the gender with a great deal of accuracy.

Contact your doctor if you're experiencing severe pains. Some pains are normal like those in your lower back, in your ribs, legs, and knees, because of the increasing body weight.

However if your sensations make you feel concerned and the pains don't feel natural and normal, contact your doctor right away.

You should also talk to your doctor if your ankles, as well as knees, start to swell, especially if the changes are sudden and the swelling wasn't there before. Headaches and migraines are also normal at this stage. You should talk to your doctor if your headaches are becoming more severe and more frequent.

Hydration is of the biggest importance as you are moving into the third trimester. Drinking enough water will secure that the baby has sufficient supplies of the amniotic fluid and you don't suffer from fatigue and constipation more than you already are. Don't push yourself to drink as much water as possible, but feel free to drink whenever you feel thirsty.

The 26th week of pregnancy is a great time to go on a "babymoon", a short vacation with your partner to enjoy all of the romantic time before you give birth.

Soon after your baby is born, you won't have as much time for yourselves as you once had, so enjoying the last remaining lone time with your partner is a great idea. Especially because this is the last remaining time period during pregnancy when you can travel safely.

You might feel an urge to stay active at all times as you move into a state that's called "nesting syndrome", but make sure to not overwork yourself and avoid skipping meals.

While you still feel energized and you're still in the mood for some housework, it's a good time to discuss household changes with your partner.

Keeping the home in order will be a lot more difficult with a baby. This is why it would be wise to minimize all of your belongings and furnishings, keeping only what is necessary and of frequent use. It's a good time to throw a garage sale or do a purge of all the things that are unnecessary in your home. This will help you not only to maintain your home faster and easier, but your house will also look tidier with all of the baby's things that will be lying around after you give birth.

Sex at week 26 of pregnancy

Towards the end of the second trimester, sex might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it's still safe and healthy. With proper guidance from your doctor, try to stay as intimate as possible with your partner.

Here are some important to-do's for the 26th week of pregnancy:

Organize a "babymoon" if possible.
If you haven't already, schedule screening for gestational diabetes.
Plan and schedule regular, healthy meals to avoid crash-eating sweets and snacks.
Track fetal kicks and movements.
Purge and organize your home.

What to ask your doctor?

Communicating closely with your doctor during pregnancy is important for you to feel calm and not worry too much. Issues like fetal movements and the pace and frequency of the baby's kicks are also concerning for parents who aren't familiar with what's normal and what's not. Ask your doctor how to track the baby's activity and kicks, and when to check in if you feel like the baby is becoming agitated or overly still.

Bloating is normal during pregnancy but talk to your doctor about when to check in in case you experience excess bloating of your ankles and joints. There is no 'one size fits all' measurement in this area, so your doctor should be able to tell you and perhaps give a visual presentation of what sort of swelling should alarm you. Your doctor should instruct you about TORCH syndrome and the dangers of fetal infections.

If you're experiencing nervousness and agitation during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about how to manage stress. Your doctor might prescribe some light medication or light exercise like yoga. If you're suffering from mental illness during pregnancy talk to your doctor about ways to deal with stress and panic.

References

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/torch-syndrome/ https://www.verywellfamily.com/26-weeks-pregnant-4159097 https://www.pregnancyhealth.net/26-weeks-pregnant-fetus-symptoms-ultrasound/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWXTuMUqsBI https://mumsvillage.com/pregnancy-parenting/joan-26-weeks-pregnant/

27 week pregnant

28 week pregnant

29 week pregnant

26 Weeks Pregnant | Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week

What's happening in week 26 of your pregnancy

At 26 weeks your baby is starting to practice using their little lungs all ready for D day!

At a glance

Your baby will start to practice breathing movements
As your bump grows, you might start to get hot and bothered
Second-hand baby equipment is a great way to save money

How big is my baby at 26 weeks?

Your baby has grown a lot in the past few months, weighing around 1. 6lbs, and is approximately 35.5cm long – can you believe how quickly time has gone?

If they were born early, they would now have a very good chance of survival with specialist care.

Your baby will start to practice making breathing movements at 26 weeks, breathing in the surrounding amniotic fluid, all ready for when they take their first gasps of air after delivery!

Their eyes will also start to open at 26 weeks. If you could see your baby right now you might see them blinking. Their vision will still be underdeveloped but this will change over the coming weeks.

It’s possible with the increased brain activity your baby will respond to certain noises with increased activity or even increased pulse rate.

If you’re having a boy their testicles are beginning to descend into the Scrotum (a process that takes 2/3 months to complete).

Facts to know about your baby in week 26

At 26 weeks your baby is starting to practice using their little lungs all ready for D day!
When your baby is born, his or her eyes will already be 75 per cent of their adult size
Your baby now weights around 1. 6lbs, and is approximately 35.5cm long
It's now possible that your baby will respond to certain noises with increased movement or even increased pulse rate

You at 26 weeks pregnant

Your nesting instinct may kick in at around five months pregnant, but what triggers this desire to clean and get organised?

According to research it’s a primal instinct going back thousands of years and is triggered by our brain telling us to ‘protect and prepare’ for our unborn baby. Nesting can make you want to do all sorts of things from cleaning the skirting boards to wanting to repaint the whole house. But do keep safe. Don’t climb overreach of lift anything too heavy and avoid the risky business of standing on a ladder so you can reach a cobweb!

You are probably feeling your baby move in different ways now as the space in your tummy is getting more and more crowded!

Those somersaults and twists and turns are more likely to be solid kicks, and you might frequently see a foot or elbow shape poking out!

You can probably anticipate the times when your baby is going to be active or quiet by now, but do flag up with your midwife or GP if you are concerned you have not felt your baby move for a while.

Remember every single baby is different and there’s no set number of kicks you should be feeling. Instead, it’s about knowing what’s normal for your little one.

It is not true that babies move less often towards the end of pregnancy, you should feel your baby move right up to the time of labour, and during labour too. Never hesitate to contact their midwife or maternity unit for advice, no matter how many times this happens.

As your bump continues to grow, you might find yourself getting a bit hot and bothered, and your skin starting to itch or dry out – or it could go the other way entirely and give you a lovely crop of hormonal spots!

Treat it gently, and don't use harsh chemical products to deal with any breakouts. Loose clothes, lots of cool drinks and keeping a cooling spray in your handbag should help you get through any hot flushes or sweaty periods!

Facts to know about you in week 26

If you're having a boy their testicles are beginning to descend into the Scrotum (a process that takes 2/3 months to complete)
Oliver, Jack and Charlie are the most popular boys' names
Mums who exclusively breastfeed can burn as many as 600 calories a day, which may help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight

Your FREE Mum-to-be pack is ready in the Bounty app

Pack contents vary by retailer

What to think about in week 26

If you are keeping to a strict baby budget, then buying second-hand is a fab way to save loads of money – particularly as most baby equipment gets so little use. There are loads of places to find bargains too – eBay, Gumtree, NCT sales, car boot fairs, and even for free on sites like Freecycle, or from generous friends whose babies have outgrown their newborn equipment.

Do make sure you clean everything with an anti-bacterial cleanser though, and check that any equipment has the appropriate British safety standard labelling – and if you buy a pre-loved cot or Moses basket, always replace the mattress.

Choosing the right car seat is an important decision and it can be difficult to know which is right for your needs. Your first stop, will be one of the tiny, comfy, rear-facing car seats for your baby’s first all-exciting journey home – in fact you won’t be allowed to leave the hospital if you don’t have one. Think about having a trial run of fitting your car seat in the car before purchasing to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle and user friendly for you.

It’s worth reading up on the latest models around and understanding exactly what you should be looking for when choosing the right one for you as there’s lots of new things to consider nowadays like i-Size and baby’s being in rear facing car seats for longer.

Sleeping during your pregnancy is getting difficult, as your bump gets bigger and it’s hard to get comfortable at night, a pregnancy pillow could be the answer.

Pregnancy pillows are also known as maternity support pillows and don’t resemble a regular pillow.

Most are body-length and gently curved so you can put one end between your knees, have it supporting your bump and even put your head on the other end.

Some also have a quilted base to go under your body to stop you rolling on to your back during the night.

Signs and symptoms at 26 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy insomnia

Getting a good night’s sleep is so important when you’re pregnant but suffering with pregnancy insomnia is not unusual and can be hard to beat. Some say it’s your body’s way of preparing for sleepless nights when your little one arrives, but ultimately it can be down-right miserable. There are some things you can do to help you sleep better including avoiding any caffeine in the lead up to going to bed. For more tips take a look at our ways to beat pregnancy insomnia.

High blood pressure

If you suffer with high blood pressure in your pregnancy it can be quite harmless and as long as it’s checked regularly so make sure you attend your antenatal check ups. However, it’s really important to be aware that very high blood pressure can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. You should have regular blood pressure checks at your midwife appointments as it’s not unusual for your blood pressure to change during pregnancy. If high blood pressure is identified in your antenatal checks your midwife will discuss any concerns she has with you.

Watch our videos below:

Video 1: Gestational diabetes (NHS content)

Video 2: Preparing a birth plan

Video 3: Caesareans explained

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Pregnancy calendar 26 weeks - Miracle Doctor multidisciplinary clinic in Moscow

With the completion of the sixth month of pregnancy, the order of visiting the antenatal clinic changes: now the expectant mother will have to come for a scheduled examination at least twice a month. The weight of the child approaches 800 grams, and the length is about 33 centimeters. The baby distinguishes all the sounds that reach his ears from the outside, so it's time to indulge him with classical music or natural noises of nature. nine0003

Most of the changes occur in the respiratory system: the lungs are formed and take their place. There was a strong branching of the bronchi.

The most important event of this time: the child's brain establishes a connection with the adrenal cortex, which is the most important element of the endocrine system. As a result of this union, the production of hormones by the adrenal cortex begins, which are necessary for the adaptation of the newborn to life after birth. With the maturation of the pituitary gland, the independent production of growth hormone by the baby begins. nine0003

The child has already formed and operates all the senses except for the sense of smell, which will begin to work after birth. At the 26th week of pregnancy, the baby begins to open its eyes. In all children, the iris has a blue color, but some time after birth, a change in the color of the pigment will occur. The child's eyes are framed by eyelashes, there are eyebrows. The body of the fetus is still thin, but fat is formed under the skin.

The heart rate of the baby at 26 weeks of gestation reaches 160 beats per minute. Frequent beats may not always be rhythmic, but there is no cause for concern. As a rule, after birth, the child's heart adapts to the conditions of life and the arrhythmia resolves on its own. nine0003

The baby has a certain daily routine. He chose the time when he leads an active life (eating, boxing) and when he sleeps. During this period of pregnancy, the baby is already quite consciously able to declare his own desires. If he doesn’t like something (he is hungry, he is uncomfortable), then the child’s indignation will not allow the mother to sleep or do any business until the baby’s needs are satisfied. The movements of the baby at the 26th week of pregnancy can be of a different nature, because his mood can also change and sometimes he actively moves, and at other times he slowly moves to the beat of the music he hears. If the child does not move for several hours, then he is sleeping. An alarm should be caused by the absence of movement for 12 hours. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. This week of pregnancy, not only the mother can feel the baby's tremors. If a future dad, sister or brother puts a hand on a woman’s stomach, they will also feel a “welcome” addressed to them. nine0003

What did the 26th week of pregnancy bring to a woman? The rate of weight gain at this stage is from 7 to 10 kilograms. The grown uterus rises above the level of the navel by 6 centimeters. She moved the rest of the organs, which caused not always pleasant moments of pregnancy. Heart palpitations, heartburn, shortness of breath, digestive problems, a constant desire to go to the toilet - these are just some of the problems that a woman faces at 26 weeks of pregnancy. It is worth adding to them pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, high blood pressure, heaviness in the legs, swelling, and the picture is bleak. But all these troubles seem to a woman such a trifle compared to the prospect of becoming a mother that she has learned to cope with them with ease. In this, she is helped by special compression underwear, which reduces the load on the vessels of the lower extremities, an adjusted diet, long walks, physical exercises, and self-massage. A little more and the expected maternity leave will come, when a woman can devote maximum time to preparing for childbirth. nine0003

At the 26th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother must again take blood and urine tests. According to indications, ultrasound can be prescribed to exclude fetal malformations of the heart, genitourinary organs, central nervous system and skeleton.

Watery discharge from the vagina signals a violation of the membranes, which is a symptom of a threatened abortion. In this case, inpatient treatment is required and it is not reasonable to refuse hospitalization.

At this time, some women first experience the fear of childbirth. They are afraid of pain, afraid for themselves and for their baby. A visit to a psychotherapist will help to cope with the problem. nine0003

26th week of pregnancy what happens to the fetus

Contents

The baby continues to grow. Its mass is increasing. At this stage, the genitals of the baby are finally formed.

Already at this time, your baby distinguishes sounds, he hears especially well low voices, so it is useful for dad to talk with the child. This is a great activity that will bring benefits and pleasure to all family members: the baby, and dad, and mom. In addition, the rest of the senses are already well developed in the crumbs, the central nervous system is almost fully formed. nine0003

At this time, the baby can already sometimes raise and lower the eyelids. During the same periods he is awake, but most often sleeps. Watch, perhaps you will understand whether your baby is a “lark” or an “owl”. Experts recommend during this period to start turning on the baby music or other pleasant sounds. This has a calming and soothing effect on the child.

How does the fetus develop at 26 weeks?

At this stage, the formation of the brain and respiratory system was completed. On ultrasound, you can already see the features of the child's face. Although the baby already distinguishes sounds, the formation of auditory receptors and the inner ear is still ahead of him. nine0038
In the seventh month of pregnancy, the baby develops memory. He can already remember the voice of his mother and distinguish it from other voices.
As we said at the beginning, the baby is growing rapidly and gaining weight. By this time, its weight is more than 800 grams, and its body length is up to 23 cm.
Already at this time, the rudiments of teeth are laid in the baby's oral cavity. The baby grows and starts pushing more and more boldly, reacting to the position of the mother's body and the taste of the amniotic waters. nine0038
If the fetus is male, then by this time the testicles have already descended into the scrotum. And in girls, the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes are already formed.
The body of the baby produces hormones thanks to the adrenal glands, which began to work at the 26th week of pregnancy.

The child sleeps from 18 to 21 hours, the rest of the time he is awake. His thrusts become more palpable. Putting your hand on the mother's stomach, you can feel what the baby is signaling. After all, he also experiences both positive and negative emotions. nine0003

Monitor your baby's movements every day. Too active or too weak tremors may signal that additional fetal examinations are required.

What happens to the mother at 26 weeks of pregnancy?

Many women have a dark line on the skin from the navel down to the pubis by this period. After childbirth, it will definitely disappear, but for now it will become more and more pronounced from day to day. The cause of pigmentation of pregnant women is hormonal changes in the body. Chloasma, as the pigmentation of pregnant women is scientifically called, can also be due to a lack of vitamins B, C and folic acid, as well as copper, zinc and iron. nine0003

Heartburn can also occur during pregnancy, which will manifest itself starting from the 26th week. This is due to minor disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. If you find it difficult to endure discomfort, consult a doctor, he will prescribe corrective treatment for you.

This week, the expectant mother may feel slight contractions in the uterus. These are the so-called training bouts. These contractions are not dangerous, they prepare the body for future childbirth. But if the contractions are painful, see a doctor immediately. nine0003

Continue to watch your secretions. During this period, they can become more abundant due to the fact that the mucous plug - a barrier to the penetration of infections, becomes very dense. If the discharge does not cause you discomfort, then there is nothing to worry about.